The bell tower predominates over the town of Piran.
This [the bell tower] was completed in 1608 and is a small-scale copy of the campanile of San Marco in Venice, which confirms that it was built in the period of the Venetian influence on Piran. Among other newer bells, there is also a bell from the 15th century.*
On top of the bell tower is a fabulous statue of the Archangel Michael, which I noticed immediately on my arrival in Piran. On that day he had his back to the square but when I walked round to the sea front to photograph his front profile I noticed he still had his back towards me…
When I arrived in Piran, I noticed he had his back to the square and was facing towards the sea. Today however he had his back to the sea and I began to doubt myself…
Whilst pondering the possibility that I might have made a mistake he appeared to move slightly. As I stared at him he moved 40o to face more towards my direction! We began to suspect that Archangel Michael was more than he seemed.
Closer inspection revealed that Michael has a hidden secret, he is in fact a gigantic weathervane.
*From the Piran Tourist Guidebook
The Mother of all weathervanes, Cherry! WOW. And I especially like the last image of the night view.
I was fascinated by the weathervane
Stunning harbour view!
Almost like the Italian Riviera.
Yes Piran is of Venetian influence.